Description

The Cisco IE-4000-8GS4G-E is part of the Cisco Industrial Ethernet (IE) 4000 Series of managed switches, designed specifically for use in demanding industrial environments. These switches offer a reliable, high-performance solution for industrial automation, transportation systems, energy grids, and other mission-critical infrastructure.

1. General Features and Overview:

• Model: Cisco IE-4000-8GS4G-E

• Series: Cisco IE 4000 Series Industrial Ethernet Switches

• Type: Managed switch tailored for industrial and outdoor environments, with advanced networking and redundancy features.

2. Ports and Connectivity:

• 8 x Gigabit Ethernet Ports (10/100/1000 Mbps): Standard Ethernet ports that provide high-speed data transfer for industrial networking needs.

• 4 x Gigabit SFP Ports (Small Form-factor Pluggable): These ports are designed for fiber-optic connections, providing high-bandwidth uplinks for long-distance connections or interconnecting remote locations. SFP ports allow for flexibility in choosing fiber-optic modules based on specific requirements, such as short or long-distance connections.

3. Performance:

• Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switching: The IE-4000-8GS4G-E supports both Layer 2 (Data Link) and Layer 3 (Network) switching, offering advanced routing and switching features for a wide range of industrial applications.

• Switching Capacity: It is capable of handling high data volumes and can manage large, real-time networks with low latency, making it suitable for time-sensitive applications.

• Forwarding Rate: This switch is designed to provide high forwarding rates, meaning it can handle a large amount of data with minimal delay.

4. Redundancy and Reliability:

• Industrial-Grade Durability: Built to withstand extreme environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), the IE-4000 series is ideal for use in factories, outdoor deployments, and industrial automation systems.

• High Availability: This model supports several redundancy features:

  • Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) for enhanced network reliability.

  • Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) for fast convergence of redundant network paths.

  • Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) for ensuring that critical routing paths are available if one router goes down.

5. Environmental Rating:

• Temperature Range: The switch operates in harsh environments with a temperature range typically between -40°C to +70°C (-40°F to +158°F), making it suitable for industrial floors, outdoor deployments, or other temperature-sensitive locations.

• Shock and Vibration Resistance: Designed to withstand mechanical shocks and vibrations that are common in industrial settings, ensuring consistent operation in dynamic conditions.

6. Security:

• Comprehensive Security Features:

  • 802.1X Authentication: To ensure that only authorized devices can access the network.

  • Access Control Lists (ACLs): For controlling and filtering network traffic based on defined rules, increasing security by preventing unauthorized access.

  • Port Security: To prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to the switch by locking specific ports.

  • DHCP Snooping: To mitigate the risks of rogue DHCP servers.

  • Secure Boot: Ensures the integrity of the switch’s firmware during boot-up.

  • IPsec: For secure communication over the network, ensuring that all transmitted data is encrypted and safe from unauthorized access.

• Network Monitoring and Intrusion Detection: Built-in tools for monitoring network activity and detecting potential intrusions.

7. Management and Monitoring:

• CLI (Command Line Interface): For detailed configuration and advanced management, offering control over all aspects of the network.

• Web-Based GUI: A user-friendly web interface for simpler management, allowing network administrators to configure and monitor the switch without needing advanced networking knowledge.

• SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol): The switch supports SNMP for integration with network monitoring and management systems.

• Cisco DNA Integration: Integrates with Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture, enabling network automation, enhanced analytics, and centralized management for easier scalability and management of industrial networks.

8. Power over Ethernet (PoE):

• The IE-4000-8GS4G-E does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). It is focused on providing robust Ethernet and fiber-optic connectivity for industrial environments that do not require PoE for powering devices like cameras or IP phones.

9. Safety and Compliance:

• Certifications: The IE-4000-8GS4G-E meets several industrial standards and certifications, including UL, CE, and FCC certifications, ensuring that the switch can operate safely and effectively in various industrial and outdoor environments.

• Industry Standards: It complies with industrial networking standards, providing a reliable solution for critical applications.

10. Use Cases:

• Industrial Automation: The switch is ideal for connecting devices like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and SCADA systems, ensuring continuous, real-time communication in automated environments.

• Smart Manufacturing: It can support the connection of IoT devices, sensors, and controllers in a manufacturing environment, providing high-bandwidth, low-latency communication for time-sensitive applications.

• Transportation and Rail: The IE-4000-8GS4G-E is well-suited for use in transportation systems, such as intelligent traffic management, railways, and logistics networks.

• Smart Grid and Energy: The switch can be used in the management of electrical grids, substations, and distributed energy resources (DERs), ensuring secure and reliable communication between devices in the energy sector.

• Industrial IoT: With its rugged design and flexibility, this switch is a perfect choice for connecting industrial IoT devices in challenging environments.

11. Power Supply:

• Redundant Power Supply: The IE-4000-8GS4G-E supports redundant power supply options, which is crucial in industrial environments where high availability is a requirement. This ensures that the switch remains operational even in the event of a power failure.

12. Form Factor:

• Rack-Mountable: This model comes in a 19-inch rack-mountable form factor, which allows for easy installation in standard racks, commonly found in control rooms, data centers, or industrial facilities.